Community Council for Somerset

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Community Council for Somerset Established in 1926, The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) is a charity working in all corners of the County.

We believe everyone in Somerset should be able to live a healthy, independent and safe life and be part of a strong and thriving community.

14/07/2025

Say hello to Thrive – our new name!

We’re still your trusted team, delivering the same great services with the same community-first values.

Making Somerset stronger

Welcome to the next chapter. We’re now live with a fresh new website, your go-to space for updates, resources, and everything Thrive.

Check it out and be part of the journey: www.thrivesomerset.org.uk

With this change, we have launched a new page that reflects our new direction. Please like and follow our new profile: https://www.facebook.com/thrivesomerset

13/07/2025

You still have time to attend our Shepton area community meeting!

This is your chance to collaborate with others in your area to explore ways to improve health and wellbeing in your community.
Join us for the Community Solution Seekers Project:

📅 Date: 15th July 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
📍 Location: Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall, BA3 5AN

Whether you're a resident, part of a local group (like WI, Gardening Club, PTA, Knit and Natter, etc.), a healthcare professional, or a volunteer your voice matters.
💬 Book your space today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1368417998069?aff=oddtdtcreator

13/07/2025

Let’s come together to explore how a strength-based approach can help us build healthier, more connected communities.

Date: Thursday 17th July
Location: Holford Village Hall, TA5 1SD
Time: 10:00 - 12:30
Book your free space now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1430528953609?aff=oddtdtcreator

This event is open to everyone living in and around:
Holford, Over Stowey, Spaxton, Enmore, Chilton Trinity and surrounding villages.

Whether you're part of a local group, school, club, business, or just passionate about your community, we’d love to see you there!

Did you know?Local communities can deliver local homes for local people.Rural communities in Somerset are grappling with...
11/07/2025

Did you know?

Local communities can deliver local homes for local people.

Rural communities in Somerset are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of social housing, high living costs and low wages for manual and low skilled workers. However, there are opportunities on Rural Exception Sites that Parish Councils or a Community Land Trust can explore to build homes for local people.

Spaxton Community Land Trust are currently working with architects and Hastoe Housing to build 11 homes for local people.

Today is your last chance to express your interest in a Housing Needs Survey, but we are always open for support and advice. Register your interest here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hns_guidance_eoi

Find out more at https://ccslovesomerset.org/rural-housing/

Did you know?There are over 12,000 households registered on Somerset Homefinder. Social housing stock in Somerset has r...
10/07/2025

Did you know?

There are over 12,000 households registered on Somerset Homefinder. Social housing stock in Somerset has remained steady at 18% of all housing over the last 25 years, despite soaring demand.

Don’t give up on a home with a housing association or council, register on Somerset Homefinder to let them know you need a place. https://www.homefindersomerset.co.uk

Talk to a local parish councillor to see if any affordable housing is being planned, and whether they need any help from our independent Rural Housing Enabling team. Contact us [email protected]

Did you know? Rural homelessness across England has increased by 40% since 2018/19. Second homes and properties being ...
09/07/2025

Did you know? Rural homelessness across England has increased by 40% since 2018/19.

Second homes and properties being converted into short term lets has put further pressure on the private rental market. Everyone deserves a decent home, but many people are forced to leave the families and friends they love, draining skills and economic activity from the villages.

Do you want to make a difference? Community Land Trusts and Parish Councils can work in partnership with Housing Associations to build the right kind of truly affordable homes for your village. Visit https://ccslovesomerset.org/rural-housing/ if you want to know more about rural affordable housing options in your community.

If you or anyone in your family is living in an unsuitable home, or is at risk of being evicted, sign up on the Homefinder Register: https://www.homefindersomerset.co.uk/choice/
It informs the general need and makes you visible, even if you must find alternative accommodation when there is no social housing available.

Week

Did you know?On average, house prices are about 9 times higher than what local workers earn in a year. That’s even highe...
08/07/2025

Did you know?

On average, house prices are about 9 times higher than what local workers earn in a year. That’s even higher than the national average in England, which is 7.7 times.

This makes it especially tough for younger people and those on lower incomes to get on the property ladder. The challenge is even greater in rural areas, where wages tend to be lower and there aren’t as many homes available.

However, if a village or parish finds they have a housing need, then small schemes of affordable homes can be built in and around villages with the help of a housing associations on rural exception sites, which can be rented to people with local connections, and not available on the open market.

If you are worried about young people and families being forced out of your village due to high costs, get in touch: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hns_guidance_eoi

Start a conversation about potential affordable housing opportunities.

Week

🏡 It's “Our homes are fundamental to our health and wellbeing. Decent and affordable homes must be available for everyo...
07/07/2025

🏡 It's

“Our homes are fundamental to our health and wellbeing. Decent and affordable homes must be available for everyone.”

Explore affordable housing options for your community – Get expert help and a Housing Needs Survey!

Your village deserves to be a place where local people can live, work, and grow together. Strong communities need homes that are truly affordable – so young people can stay close to family, schools can flourish, and local businesses can thrive. And we’re here to help make that happen!

👋 We’re Rural Housing Enablers Whether you’re just starting the conversation or ready to take action, we can help you every step of the way.

Here’s what we can do for your parish – for free:
👨‍👩‍👧 Talk with you to understand your housing needs.
🏘️ Offer expert advice on affordable and social housing options.
📊 Carry out a Housing Needs Survey to discover what types of homes your community needs most.
💡 Explore creative ways to deliver the homes you need.
🤝 Connect you with partners to support small, community-led housing projects.
🌿 Identify possible sites that are not open to private developers.

Why is this important?
In many Somerset villages, average house prices have climbed beyond the reach of local people. Rental options and social housing are limited. As a result, families and young people are often forced to move away – which means fewer children in schools, fewer workers for local businesses, and a quieter village life. But by working together, we can change that.

📣 We’re offering a limited number of FREE housing needs surveys this year, thanks to Government funding.

If your parish has fewer than 3,000 residents, fill out this quick form by 11 July Affordable Rural Housing form to express your interest. There’s no obligation – just a chance to explore how we can help.

If you have any questions, please ask us or visit our website https://ccslovesomerset.org/rural-housing/.

We’re almost ready to introduce our new name…Why are we changing our name? Because we want it to reflect who we are, roo...
07/07/2025

We’re almost ready to introduce our new name…

Why are we changing our name? Because we want it to reflect who we are, rooted in Somerset, growing stronger together.

We’re still the same team, delivering the same trusted services, now with a name that truly reflects our mission.

Address

Fitzwarren House
Taunton
TA13UG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

01823 331222

Website

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